Athens Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student

A Clarke Central High School math teacher was booked into jail on a sexual assault charge this morning after being accused of an "inappropriate incident" with a student.

Athens-Clarke County police obtained a warrant Monday for Kara Elizabeth Coalson, 23, after investigating "a potentially inappropriate incident" between a teacher and a student, according to an ACCPD news release.

Coalson was booked into jail at 1:26 a.m. and charged with sexual assault by a person with supervisory/disciplinary authority. Bond was set at $10,000 for the felony charge.

A statement from CCSD said that district officials contacted law enforcement and placed Coalson on administrative leave after learning about the incident, which took place off campus. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which certifies teachers, has also been notified.

"While we cannot share more information due to our need to protect the student and the nature of the investigation, we want to reiterate that our first and most important responsibility is the safety of all students," the statement said. "We ask that all parents and guardians speak with their children and share any information regarding potential school safety issues with school or district staff."

Police also urged anyone who's been sexually assaulted to contact The Cottage at 706-353-1912.